How to land a job interview

Who can help you get a job interview? How do you make an initial contact for an interview? What can you do if no one is getting back to you? Career consultant Maggie Mistal has great advice on how to land that job interview.

• Network, network, network!

• Seek out others who are doing the kind of work you’d love to do. Ask their advice or personal experience — people want to help and love to talk about themselves if you’re genuinely interested. This can help greatly with getting a job interview within a particular organization or in an industry you haven't been in.

• Leverage alumni associations, trade organizations and friends at companies where you might like to work. Many companies have employee-referral bonus programs.

• When networking, develop a 15-second “pitch” that tells people who you are, what you’re good at, what job you’re suited for and how someone can help you land a job interview.

• Know how to search and apply for jobs online but don’t underestimate connecting “face to face.”

• Recognize that you are valuable and you are talented. Focus on the skills you have, even if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while.

• If you feel out of touch, get back with others in your old work network. Find out what people in your old job are doing. Has it changed? If so, how?

• Consider enhancing your skills through classes at a local college or university.

• If no one is getting back to you at an organization don't take it personally. See if you know or can arrange to meet someone who works there. If a company has an employee referral program there is added incentive for someone internally helping you get a job interview.

• Good grammar and spelling are essential! Whether submitting your resume online or in writing, make sure to spell check.